The Medicine Wheel: Learning with an Indigenous Perspective

In this lesson students explore the rich symbolism and teachings which are part of the Medicine Wheel.

Created by Gloria Johnson

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May 23, 2013

Grade Levels: 9/10, 11/12

Subject Area: Social Studies, History

Lesson Overview

In this lesson students explore the rich symbolism and teachings which are part of the Medicine Wheel. They share their learning experiences in talking/sharing circle and create their own Medicine Wheel as a final project.

Time Required

3 – 5 classes

Historical Thinking Concept(s)

This lesson plan uses the following historical thinking concepts: use primary source evidence and take historical perspectives.

Learning Outcomes

Student will:

develop an awareness, understanding and respect for indigenous spirituality and perspective through the use of the Talking Circle and Medicine Wheel

explore and appreciate the significance of the Medicine Wheel to indigenous peoples

appreciate the role of spiritualty in indigenous culture

construct a Medicine Wheel

Background Information

The Medicine Wheel emphasizes a holistic approach to maintain balance and equilibrium in life. The Medicine Wheel is a circular symbol representing the wholeness of traditional indigenous life. It is a perfectly balanced shape without a top or bottom, length or width. It represents constant movement and change. The Medicine Wheel represents not only spirituality, it also symbolizes reason, emotion and the physical aspect of peoples’ beliefs, their knowledge, their feelings and actions which are intimately related and inseparably connected. The ultimate goal is to strike a harmonious balance in life. Everything in the Universe is part of a single whole.

The Lesson Activity

Activating:

Introduce the Medicine Wheel and associated concepts choosing from the resources provided or others you may have access to.

Materials/Resources

Articles: Seven Sacred Prayers of the First Nation as People

The Creation Story by Stephen Augustine, Grand Council Captain, Big Cove, NB

The Sacred Circle Philosophy by Black Elk

12 Principles of Indian Philosophy

Traditional Indian Code of Ethics, Source Four Worlds Development Project, University of Lethbridge, Alberta, 1992

The Dream of the White Robe and the Floating Island by Ella E. Clark, Indian Legends of Canada, McClelland & Stewart Inc., The Canadian Publishers

Talking to my Granddaughter by Henry Lickers

Video:

Standing Alone, First Nations the Circle Unbroken, Produced by Face to Face Media and the National Film Board of Canada (1982) 19 min. 57 sec. Do exercises on p. 16 of Teacher’s Guide.

Cree Hunters, Quebec Dams, First Nations the Circle Unbroken, Produced by Face to Face Media and the National Film Board of Canada (1994) 23 min. 21 sec. Do exercises on pgs. 13-14 Teacher's Guide.

Where the Spirit Lives, A drama broadcast on CBC-TV about the experiences of a young person in a residential school. Atlantic films 1991. Available for purchase from Magic Lantern Communication. Phone 1-800-263-1717.

Audio:

Voices from the Eastern Door, cassette

References

Leavitt, Robert M, Maliseet and Micmac: First Nations of the Maritimes. Text. New Ireland Press, Fredericton, NB, 1996.

First Nations: the Circle Unbroken, Teacher’s Guide. This production contains a series of thirteen 20 minute programs about current issues, cultural identity, and relations between First Nations and Canada. Produced by Face to Face Media and the National Film Board of Canada, 1974.

It is important to display the students’ work in a prominent location. This helps to promote self-esteem, dignity and pride, and allows others to share in their success and achievement. The students’ Medicine Wheels can be displayed in the school library or at a school open house.

Themes associated with this article

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